Superstar gives green light for Sunderland to hold talks over £50.7m deal…

Regis Le Bris has finally ended Sunderland’s search for a new manager.

The French head coach was named as Michael Beale’s permanent successor at Sunderland this weekend, having been relegated with FC Lorient last season.

Le Bris had initially enjoyed a strong start to his managerial career though, having worked with the academy since 2012.

He brought the likes of Matteo Guendouzi and Mario Lemina through the youth ranks, before earning himself the manager role for the senior team.

Le Bris guided them to a tenth place finish in his first season – their highest position since the 2013/14 campaign. However, things quickly turned sour and he finished the 2023/24 term with 29 points.

The 48-year-old will now look to impress in the Championship, with The Sun reporting last summer that Leeds United were interested in him.

Le Bris’ first challenge will be to help bring in some players to guide Sunderland to a play-off spot, though it remains unclear how much contribution Kristjaan Speakman will allow him to have in the transfer window.

If he is allowed to bring in some of his own players, he could look back to Lorient to strengthen his new squad.